Communication device having power amplification for multiple transmit uplinks

ABSTRACT

A communication device, method and computer program product provide efficient average power tracking (APT) powering of transmit power amplifiers with fewer switching mode power supplies (SMPSs) to reduce size and cost of the communication device. A controller of the communication device detects an output voltage level of a battery supply of a communication device power amplifiers (PAs) assignable to respective transmit uplinks. The communication device includes a smaller second number of switching mode power supplies (SMPSs). The communication device includes linear regulator(s) that are powered by one of (i) output voltage of the battery supply and (ii) one of the one or more SMPSs. Controller selects a combination of SMPSs and linear regulators to power active PAs. The controller determines APT supply voltage value for each PAs and assigns the SMPS(s) and the linear regulator(s) to the PAs to achieve a highest overall or combined system power efficiency.

BACKROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a communication device thatsupports simultaneous transmissions, and more particularly to acommunication device that manages power supplied to a power amplifierfor efficient simultaneous transmissions.

2. Description of the Related Art

The cellular industry has widely deployed capability to support up totwo simultaneous transmissions from a communication device, either inthe same band or in different frequency bands. The communication device,such as a handset, amplifies each transmission signal for transmissionwith a respective power amplifier (PA). PAs use various efficiencyenhancement techniques to improve the power amplifier performance.

Developments in communication devices increasingly include at leastpartially concurrent transmissions. For example, in moving from fourthgeneration long term evolved (LTE) radio access technology (RAT) tofifth generation new radio (5G NR) RAT, communication devices typicallyhave increased a number of transmit paths that operate simultaneously. Atypical LTE communication device has a maximum of two transmitters thatare simultaneously active, one LTE transmitter and one Wi-Fitransmitter. A 5G NR communication device can have up to two 5G NRtransmitters in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation, one LTEtransmitter, and two Wi-Fi transmitters in MIMO operation. To supportsimultaneous transmissions, the SMPS has traditionally been duplicated,such that the single device has multiple SMPSs. Although SMPSs arerelatively simple, each SMPS does add cost and size due to largeinductors that are required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read inconjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated thatfor simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in thefigures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to otherelements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosureare shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts a functional block diagram of a communication environmentincluding a communication device having a communication subsystem thatsupports multiple transmission uplinks efficiently amplified by acorresponding number of power amplifiers, according to one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified functional block diagram of portions of thecommunication device including a controller that is communicativelycoupled to transmit power amplification components of a communicationsubsystem to efficiently manage power supplied to the power amplifierswith a lesser number of switched mode power supplies, according to oneor more embodiments;

FIG. 3 presents a flow diagram of a method performed by thecommunication device for efficiently managing power supplied to thepower amplifiers utilizing a lesser number of switched mode powersupplies, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a graphical plot of a timing diagram of nonconcurrenttransmissions of first and second transmit uplinks, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 5 depicts a simplified functional block diagram of an examplecommunication device that is configured with two PAs that are supportedby one switched mode power supply (SMPS) and one linear regulator,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 6 presents a flow diagram of a method performed by thecommunication device of FIG. 5 for efficiently managing power suppliedto the PAs utilizing a lesser number of SMPSs during concurrenttransmissions, according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 7 depicts a timing diagram of first and second transmit uplinkpower levels that present three cases for power supply switching,according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 8A depicts a simplified functional block diagram of the examplecommunication device of FIG. 5 that is configured to support the firstand second transmit uplink power levels of three cases presented in FIG.7 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 8B depicts a simplified functional block diagram of the examplecommunication device of FIG. 8A that is configured to support the firstand second transmit uplink power levels of a fourth case presented inFIG. 7 , according to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 9 presents a flow diagram of a method performed by thecommunication device for efficiently managing power transitions betweentwo PAs using one SMPS and one linear regulator, according to one ormore embodiments;

FIG. 10 presents a flow diagram of a method performed by thecommunication device for efficiently managing power of two or more PAsin special situations related to being below battery voltage or having aduty cycle level that is inverse to required power, according to one ormore embodiments; and

FIG. 11 presents method 1100 that reverses the nominal assignment of anSMPS from a higher average power tracking value to a lower average powertracking value in response to respective duty cycles reversing impactson total power efficiency, according to one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communicationdevice, a method and a computer program product support simultaneoustransmissions amplified by a of power amplifiers (PAs) powered by afewer number of switched mode power supplies (SMPSs). The communicationdevice assigns and configures a combination of the SMPSs and linearregulators to support all of the PAs that are active to amplify thesimultaneous transmissions. In particular, a controller of thecommunication device efficiently manages power for the PAs using anaverage power tracking (APT) technique. Generally, the APT techniquematches a supply voltage to a short-term average radio frequency (RF)output power of the PA. A communication device that has a varyingbattery voltage can be matched to the RF output power by using aswitched-mode power supply (SMPS) that tracks the average RF power. TheSMPS output voltage is programmed based on the near-term average maximumpower. An SMPS efficiency will vary from about 80 to over 95% dependingon the input and output voltage and the required current. The use of oneor more linear regulators, which are less power efficient, in place of aseparate SMPS for each PA avoids the increase in cost and form factorrequired to provide each SMPS. The communication device includes abattery voltage sensor that detects an output voltage level of a batterysupply. A communication subsystem of the communication device has afirst number (“N1”) of two or more PAs assignable to respective transmituplinks. The communication subsystem has a second number (“N2”) of oneor more SMPSs powered by the battery supply. The number N2 of SMPSs isless than the number N1 of PAs. The communication subsystem includes athird number (“N3”) of one or more linear regulators. A sum of N2 and N3is equal to or greater than N1 to enable powering all of the two or morePAs. The one or more linear regulators are powered by one of (i) outputvoltage of the battery supply and (ii) one of the one or more SMPSs. Thecommunication subsystem includes a power switching network that enablesselectively connecting the SMPSs and linear regulators to the PAs. Acontroller is communicatively coupled to the battery voltage sensor, thecommunication subsystem, and the one or more SMPSs. The controllerdetermines an average power tracking supply voltage value for each ofthe two or more PAs. The controller assigns the one or more SMPSs andthe one or more linear regulators to the one or more PAs to achieve ahighest overall or combined system power efficiency.

In one or more embodiments, the communication device includes a powerswitching network configurable to couple to one of the battery supply,one of the one or more SMPSs, and one or more linear regulators to powereach of the PAs. The switching network is further configurable to coupleone of the output voltage of the battery supply and one of the SMPSs topower each of the one or more linear regulators. The controller assignsand configures the one or more SMPSs to power one or more of the two ormore PAs. The controller assigns one or more linear regulators that areless power efficient than the one or more SMPSs to power a correspondingnumber of the two or more PAs not assigned to the one or more SMPSs. Thecontroller configures the power switching network to connect theassigned one or more SMPSs and one or more linear regulators torespective ones of the two or more PAs.

The present innovation enables scaled power supply management to supportadditional PAs for increased number of transmit uplinks in new andanticipated wireless protocols and radio access technologies (RATs). Inan example of increased number of transmit uplinks, transmissions in thesame frequency band may be used for intra-band uplink carrieraggregation (CA) or uplink multiple input multiple output (MIMO). Inanother example, concurrent transmission may occur for differentfrequency bands, such as interband UL CA. Initial deployment of fifthgeneration (5G) new radio (NR) cellular base nodes often includedintegration with co-located fourth generation (4G) long term evolved(LTE) base nodes for non-standalone (NSA) dual connectivity at an LTE-NRradio access node (RAN). NSA is also referred to as LTE-NR dualconnection (EN-DC), which is also an example of interband multipletransmission. In the future, the number of concurrent uplinks mayincrease to three active PAs, such as to support three (3) bandinterband UL CA or two (2) UL CA with UL MIMO. In the radio frontend,two separate PAs would normally be used, with each PA tuned to supporteach band for interband cases. For intraband cases, two (2) PAs are usedto reduce the impact of non-linearity and to support spatial diversity.

The present disclosure recognizes that, in many situations, the radio isonly in single transmission at any given instant. In the cases wheresimultaneous transmissions are configured in the general sense, thereare times that the transmissions are actually non-overlapping for atleast some of the time. Such a case might happen in the case of afrequency division duplex (FDD) band with a time division duplex (TDD)band. A TDD band is time multiplexed, and the UL and downlink (DL) sharethe same channel. In FDD systems, the UL and DL are full duplex and havetheir own dedicated channels. In two FDD bands, one or both of the ULmay not be transmitting due to lack of data or scheduling. As thecapability for simultaneous transmission increases, the presentdisclosure provides a power supply solution that is generally asefficient as the conventional approach of adding additional PAs andSMPSs to match the number of simultaneous transmissions. With increasingnumber of transmit bands, the present disclosure anticipates that one ofthe PAs and SMPS are likely to be idle at any given instant. Theoverlap/concurrency of transmissions that require activation of all ofthe PAs and SMPSs will be statistically limited. Resorting to using alower efficiency approach with a linear regulator in this situation willnot bring down the overall transmitter efficiency in any substantialway. By using the less efficient power solution, the present disclosureavoids incorporating a larger and more expensive solution that requiresthe device to be configured to always have enough power-efficient SMPSsavailable. By selectively using one or more linear regulators inconjunction with a reduced number of more power efficient SMPS, thedisclosure supports those rare cases where the full complement ofmultiple transmit capabilities are being used. According to one or moreembodiments, the linear regulators are low-dropout regulators (LDOs).LDOs are distinguished by their ability to maintain regulation withsmall differences between supply voltage and load voltage. For example,as a lithium-ion battery drops from 4.2 V (fully charged) to 2.7 V(almost discharged), an LDO can maintain a constant 2.5 V at the load.

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure, specific exemplary embodiments in which the various aspectsof the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical, and other changesmay be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the presentdisclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to betaken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure isdefined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. Within thedescriptions of the different views of the figures, similar elements areprovided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previousfigure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are providedsolely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply anylimitations (structural or functional or otherwise) on the describedembodiment. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarilybeen drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elementsare exaggerated relative to other elements.

It is understood that the use of specific component, device and/orparameter names, such as those of the executing utility, logic, and/orfirmware described herein, are for example only and not meant to implyany limitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thusbe described with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized todescribe the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functionsherein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol orproprietary name in describing one or more elements, features orconcepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of oneimplementation, and such references do not limit the extension of theclaimed embodiments to embodiments in which different element, feature,protocol, or concept names are utilized. Thus, each term utilized hereinis to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in whichthat term is utilized.

As further described below, implementation of the functional features ofthe disclosure described herein is provided within processing devicesand/or structures and can involve use of a combination of hardware,firmware, as well as several software-level constructs (e.g., programcode and/or program instructions and/or pseudo-code) that execute toprovide a specific utility for the device or a specific functionallogic. The presented figures illustrate both hardware components andsoftware and/or logic components.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the hardwarecomponents and basic configurations depicted in the figures may vary.The illustrative components are not intended to be exhaustive, butrather are representative to highlight essential components that areutilized to implement aspects of the described embodiments. For example,other devices/components may be used in addition to or in place of thehardware and/or firmware depicted. The depicted example is not meant toimply architectural or other limitations with respect to the presentlydescribed embodiments and/or the general invention. The description ofthe illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with theaccompanying figures. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the presentdisclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presentedherein.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an electronic device in anoperating environment within which the features of the presentdisclosure are advantageously implemented. In particular, communicationdevice 100, managed by controller 101, is an example of an electronicdevice that supports multiple transmission uplinks amplified by acorresponding number of PAs 102 a - 102 m that are powered by a fewernumber of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n. The fewer number of SMPSs 103 a - 103 nare managed according to the APT technique. SMPSs 103 a - 103 n providea required voltage level from battery supply 104, which has a batteryoutput voltage, sensed by battery voltage (Vbatt) measurement sensor105, that varies in relation to an amount of stored charge.Communication device 100 includes one or more programmable linearregulator power supplies (“linear regulators”) 106 a - 106 p that areused in cases where the fewer number of SMPs 103 a - 103 n areinsufficient for the number of PAs 102 a - 102 m that are scheduled tosupport concurrent transmit uplinks.

PA 102 a to PA 102 m are collectively a first number (“N1”) of two ormore PAs. SMPS 103 a to SMPS 103 n collectively provide a second number(“N2”) of one or more SMPSs powered by battery supply 104. The number N2is less than N1, meaning that the number of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n is lessthan the number of PAs 102 a - 102 m. LR 106 a to LR 106 p arecollectively a third number (“N3”) of one or more linear regulators 106a - 106 p. A sum of N2 and N3 is equal to or greater than N1 to enablethe combination of SMPs 103 a - 103 n and linear regulators 106 a - 106p to power all of the two or more PAs 102 a - 102 m.

Communication device 100 can be one of a host of different types ofdevices, including but not limited to, a mobile cellular phone,satellite phone, or smart-phone, a laptop, a net-book, an ultra-book, anetworked smartwatch or networked sports/exercise watch, and/or a tabletcomputing device or similar device that can include wirelesscommunication functionality. As a device supporting wirelesscommunication, communication device 100 can be utilized as, and also bereferred to as, a system, device, subscriber unit, subscriber station,mobile station (MS), mobile, mobile device, remote station, remoteterminal, user terminal, terminal, user agent, user device, a SessionInitiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), computer workstation, a handhelddevice having wireless connection capability, a computing device, orother processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

Referring now to the specific component makeup and the associatedfunctionality of the presented components. In one or more embodiments,communication device 100 includes controller 101 and device memory 107,data storage subsystem 108, input/output (I/O) subsystem 109, andcommunication subsystem 110, that are each managed by controller 101.Device memory 107 includes program code for applications, such ascommunication application 111, average power tracking (APT) application112, and other application(s) 113. Device memory 107 further includesoperating system (OS) 114, firmware interface 115, such as basicinput/output system (BIOS) or Uniform Extensible Firmware Interface(UEFI), and firmware 116.

Controller 101 includes processor subsystem 117, which executes programcode to provide operating functionality of communication device 100 toreduce setup time to connect a communication service by initiatingfallback to a different cellular. The software and/or firmware moduleshave varying functionality when their corresponding program code isexecuted by processor subsystem 117 or secondary processing deviceswithin communication device 100. Processor subsystem 117 of controller101 can execute program code of communication application 111, APTapplication 112, and other application(s) 113 to configure communicationdevice 100 to perform specific functions. Device memory 107 can includedata 118 used by the applications. APT application 112 monitorscommunication application 111 to determine what transmit uplinks arescheduled. Controller 101, executing APT application 112, monitors Vbattmeasurement sensor 105 to determine how to configure SMPSs 103 a - 103 nand linear regulators 106 a - 106 p, based on a state of charge ofbattery supply 104. Controller 101 configures APT switching network 119of communication subsystem 110 to connect assigned SMPSs 103 a - 103 nand linear regulators 106 a - 106 p to power PAs 102 a - 102 m at theassigned times. In particular, controller 101 determines an APT supplyvoltage value for each of two or more PAs 102 a - 102 m. Controller 101assigns the one or more SMPSs 103 a - 103 n and the one or more linearregulators 106 a - 106 p PAs 102 a - 102 m to achieve a highest overallor combined system power efficiency.

Communication subsystem 110 includes antenna subsystem 120, whichincludes first antennas 121 a - 121 n and second antennas 122 a - 122 mthat support various RF bands for wireless and cellular services. Withwireless frequency spectrum seemingly ever expanding, additionalantennas (121 a - 121 n, 122 a - 122 m) are incorporated to supportnewer RATs and multi band operation. Dual low band (2L) or quad low band(4L) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation dictates multipleantennas communicate on multiple bands simultaneously. In one or moreembodiments, first antennas 121 a - 121 n support lower frequency bandssuch as ultrahigh band (UHB). Second antennas 122 a - 122 m are arraymodules (ARMs) that support MIMO communication in higher frequencybands, such as millimeter Wave (mmWave).

Communication subsystem 110 includes RF frontend 123 havingtransceiver(s) 124 that includes transmitter(s) 125 (“TX”) andreceiver(s) 126 (“RX”). RF frontend 123 further includes modem(s) 127.Communication subsystem 110 also includes communication module 132having baseband processor 133. Baseband processor 133 communicates withcontroller 101 and RF frontend 123. In one or more embodiments, basebandprocessor 133 performs a primary or support function as part ofcontroller 101. Communication subsystem 110 communicates with externalcommunication system 134. Baseband processor 133 operates in basebandfrequency range to encode data for transmission and decode receiveddata, according to a communication protocol. Modem(s) 127 modulatebaseband encoded data from communication module 132 onto a carriersignal to provide a transmit signal that is amplified by transmitter(s)125. Modem(s) 127 demodulates received signal(s) from externalcommunication system 134 detected by antenna subsystem 120. The receivedsignal is amplified and filtered by receiver(s) 126, which demodulatereceived encoded data from a received carrier signal. In an example,communication subsystem communicates with cellular network nodes 135,such NR base node (gNB) 136 or LTE base node (eNB) 137 that are part ofone or more radio access network (RANs) to connect to communicationnetwork(s) 138. Communication network(s) 138 may be communicativelyconnected to plain old telephone system (POTS) 139.

In other applications, local communication system 144 can includelocalized or personal devices such as wireless headset 145 and smartwatch 146. Local communication systems 144 can further include accessnodes 147 for wireless communication. Communication devices 100 can beprovided communication services by wide area network(s) 148 that arepart of external communication system 134 and linked to access nodes147. Wide area network(s) 148 may also provide data services tocommunication network(s) 138 that provide communication service tocommunication device 100 via cellular base nodes 135.

Communication subsystem 110 communicates with eNB 137 viauplink/downlink channels 151 a. Communication subsystem 110 communicateswith gNB 136 via uplink/downlink channels 151 b. Communication subsystem110 receives satellite broadcast signals 151 c from GPS satellites 152.Communication subsystem 110 communicates with access node 147 viatransmit/receive signals 151 d. Communication subsystem 110 communicateswith wireless headset 145 via transmit/receive signals 151 e.Communication subsystem 110 communicates with smart watch 146 viatransmit/receive signals 151 f.

In one or more embodiments, controller 101, via communication subsystem110, performs multiple types of cellular OTA or wireless communicationwith external communication system 134. Communication subsystem 110 cancommunicate via Bluetooth connection with one or more personal accessnetwork (PAN) devices, such as wireless headset 145 and smart watch 146.Communication via Bluetooth connection includes both transmission andreception via a Bluetooth transceiver device. In one or moreembodiments, communication subsystem 110 communicates with one or morelocally networked devices via a wireless local area network (WLAN) linkprovided by access node 147. In one or more embodiments, access node 147supports communication using one or more IEEE 802.11 WLAN protocols.Access node 147 is connected to wide area network(s) 148, such as theInternet. In one or more embodiments, communication subsystem 110communicates with GPS satellites 152 to obtain geospatial locationinformation.

Data storage subsystem 108 of communication device 100 includes datastorage device(s) 154. Controller 101 is communicatively connected, viasystem interlink 155, to data storage device(s) 154. Data storagesubsystem 108 provides applications, program code, and stored data onnonvolatile storage that is accessible by controller 101. For example,data storage subsystem 108 can provide a selection of applications andcomputer data such as communication application 111 and APT application112. These applications can be loaded into device memory 107 forexecution by controller 101. In one or more embodiments, data storagedevice(s) 154 can include hard disk drives (HDDs), optical disk drives,and/or solid-state drives (SSDs), etc. Data storage subsystem 108 ofcommunication device 100 can include removable storage device(s)(RSD(s)) 156, which is received in RSD interface 157. Controller 101 iscommunicatively connected to RSD 156, via system interlink 155 and RSDinterface 157. In one or more embodiments, RSD 156 is a non-transitorycomputer program product or computer readable storage device. Controller101 can access RSD 156 or data storage device(s) 154 to provisioncommunication device 100 with program code, such as code forcommunication application 111 and APT application 112.

I/O subsystem 109 includes user interface components such as displaydevice 158 that presents user interface 159. I/O subsystem 109 mayinclude acceleration/movement sensor 160, vibration output device 161,light output device 162, image capturing device(s) 163, microphone 164,touch/haptic controls 165, and audio output device(s) 166. I/O subsystem109 also includes I/O controller 167. I/O controller 167 providescommunication and power signals to functional components describedherein as part of device memory 107, communication subsystem 110, datastorage subsystem 108, or I/O subsystem 109. I/O controller 167 connectsto internal devices 168, which are internal to housing 169, and viaelectrical cable 170 to tethered peripheral devices 171, which areexternal to housing 169 of communication device 100. Internal devices168 include computing, storage, communication, or sensing componentsdepicted within housing 169. I/O controller 167 supports the necessaryconfiguration of connectors, electrical power, communication protocols,and data buffering to act as an interface between internal devices 168and peripheral devices 171 tethered by electrical cable 170 and othercomponents of communication device 100 that use a differentconfiguration for inputs and outputs.

In one or more embodiments, I/O subsystem 109 includes network interfacecontroller (NIC or “network interface”) 173 with a network connection(NC) 174. Network cable 175 connects NC 174 to wired area network 176.NIC 173 can be referred to as a “network interface” that can support oneor more network communication protocols. Wired area network 176 can be alocal area network (LAN), a campus area network (CAN), a metropolitanarea network (MAN), or a wide area network (WAN). For example, NC 174can be an Ethernet connection. Network device 177 is communicativelycoupled to wired area network 176.

Controller 101 manages, and in some instances directly controls, thevarious functions and/or operations of communication device 100. Thesefunctions and/or operations include, but are not limited to including,application data processing, communication with second communicationdevices, navigation tasks, image processing, and signal processing. Inone or more alternate embodiments, communication device 100 may usehardware component equivalents for application data processing andsignal processing. For example, communication device 100 may use specialpurpose hardware, dedicated processors, general purpose computers,microprocessor-based computers, micro-controllers, optical computers,analog computers, dedicated processors and/or dedicated hard-wiredlogic.

Controller 101 includes processor subsystem 117, which includes one ormore central processing units (CPUs), depicted as data processor 179.Processor subsystem 117 can include one or more digital signalprocessors 180 that are integrated with data processor 179. Processorsubsystem 117 can include other processors that are communicativelycoupled to data processor 179, such as baseband processor 133 ofcommunication module 132. In one or embodiments that are not depicted,controller 101 can further include distributed processing and controlcomponents that are external to housing 169 or grouped with othercomponents, such as I/O subsystem 109. Data processor 179 iscommunicatively coupled, via system interlink 155, to device memory 107.In one or more embodiments, controller 101 of communication device 100is communicatively coupled via system interlink 155 to communicationsubsystem 110, data storage subsystem 108, and I/O subsystem 109.

System interlink 155 represents internal components that facilitateinternal communication by way of one or more shared or dedicatedinternal communication links, such as internal serial or parallel buses.As utilized herein, the term “communicatively coupled” means thatinformation signals are transmissible through various interconnections,including wired and/or wireless links, between the components. Theinterconnections between the components can be direct interconnectionsthat include conductive transmission media or may be indirectinterconnections that include one or more intermediate electricalcomponents. Although certain direct interconnections (system interlink155 are illustrated in FIG. 1 , it is to be understood that more, fewer,or different interconnections may be present in other embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts a simplified functional block diagram of portions ofcommunication device 100 including controller 101 that iscommunicatively coupled to transmit power amplification components ofcommunication subsystem 110. Each of SMPSs 103 a, 103 b, ..., 103 n ispowered by battery supply 104 and configured by controller 101 toprovide a voltage output based on the APT technique. Communicationdevice 100 may include one, two, three, or more SMPSs 103 a - 103 n thatprovide respective voltage output to input nodes I₁ - I_(n) of analogpower supply cross switch 203. Analog power supply cross switch 203 ispart of APT switching network 119 and has at least M number of inputsand at least M number of outputs O₁ - O_(m) that correspond to at leastthe maximum number of active PAs 102 a, 102 b, 102 c, ..., 102 m. Thenumber of outputs may exceed the maximum number of active PA to provideadditional flexibility to support alternate PAs, if desired. OutputsO₁ - O_(m) connect to respective voltage supply nodes 205 of PAs 102 a -102 m to amplify an input signal at respective input node 207. Theamplified input signal is then provided at respective output node 209for transmission. Controller 101 reads and writes to external controlinterface/registers 211 of APT switching network 119 to configure analogpower supply cross switch 203 by controlling switch driver/controller213. Controller 101 also reads and writes to external controlinterface/registers 211 to control one or more linear regulators 106 a,106 b, ..., 106 p to provide a desired voltage level that isrespectively connected to remaining inputs I₁ - I_(n) of analog powersupply cross switch 203 that are not connected to SMPSs 103 a - 103 n.Controller 101 further reads and writes to external controlinterface/registers 211 to configure switch driver/controller 213 toconfigure each switch 215 that corresponds to one or more linearregulators 106 a - 106 p. Inputs V_(a) - V_(n) of each switch 215connect to the output voltages supplied by respective SMPSs 103 a - 103n. Each switch 215 also includes input Vs that receives battery outputvoltage. The connected source of power is provided by switch 215 tocorresponding one or more linear regulators 106 a - 106 p. In one ormore embodiments, communication device 100 includes one, two, three, ormore linear regulators 106 a - 106 p. A sum of the number of SMPSs 103a - 103 n and linear regulators 106 a - 106 p matches the number of PAs102 a - 102 m.

In one or more embodiments, controller 101 manages supply power to highefficiency SMPSs 103 a - 103 n in conjunction with one or more linearregulators 106 a - 106 p to support two or more PAs 102 a - 102 msimultaneously transmitting at any given instant. Linear regulator(s)106 a - 106 p can be dynamically supplied with either the batteryvoltage, or the output of one of the SMPS 103 a - 103 n that is in usesupplying one or more of active PAs 102 a - 102 m. The selection ofsupply power to selected linear regulator 106 a - 106 p depends on theprogrammed or otherwise configured output voltage of linear regulators106 a - 106 p and SMPSs 103 a - 103 n and calculations of the totalsystem efficiency. Linear power regulator(s) 106 a - 106 p can use thebattery voltage if one of the following particular situations arises:(i) output voltages of active SMPSs 103 a - 103 n are below the requiredregulator output voltage in some temporary transitions states; (ii) ageneral temporary transition state dependent on switch timing andsettling; (iii) use of the battery supply would be more efficient fromthe total system efficiency standpoint than one of the active SMPSs 103a - 103 n; or (iv) the SMPS output voltage is actually a boosted SMPSabove the battery output voltage, where using the battery as an input toselected linear regulators 106 a - 106 p would be more efficient thanusing the boosted SMPS voltage output. Otherwise, linear regulators 106a - 106 p receive power from one of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n. In most but notall cases, an assigned one of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n would support thehigher PA voltage and a respective linear regulator 106 a - 106 p wouldutilize the voltage output of the assigned one of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n.In some cases where the battery voltage is close to the required PAvoltage, total system efficiency may indicate use of battery supply 104for a respective linear regulator 106 a - 106 p to power one of PAs 102a - 102 m having a higher voltage requirement and use of one of SMPSs103 a - 103 n to supply another one PAs 102 a - 102 m that has a lowervoltage requirement. Similarly, in the case of a very short durationtransmitter (Tx) burst, total system efficiency may indicate use of oneof linear regulator 106 a - 106 p while utilizing one of SMPSs 103 a -103 n for the higher duty cycle Tx.

In an example, with two (2) or more SMPSs 103 a - 103 n for three (3) ormore active PAs 102 a - 102 m, supply for selected linear regulator 106a - 106 p can be any of active SMPSs 103 a - 103 n or battery supply 104depending on best overall system efficiency. Total system efficiency isincreased in most cases by supplying selected linear regulator 106 a -106 p using any of active SMPSs 103 a - 103 n as compared to usingbattery voltage to supply selected linear regulator 106 a - 106 p. Whenselected linear regulator 106 a - 106 p is using any of active SMPSs 103a - 103 n, selected active SMPSs 103 a - 103 n is also supplying one ofactive PAs 102 a - 102 m at the desired voltage.

In some existing designs, a conventional SMPS is hardwired to multiplePAs. According to aspects of the present disclosure, each SMPS 103 a -103 n and linear regulator 106 a - 106 p is independent and notpermanently connected to any particular PA 102 a - 102 m. The output ofany SMPS 103 a - 103 n or any linear regulator 106 a - 106 p can beswitched to any PA 102 a - 102 m for added flexibility in assigning aselected one of PA 102 a - 102 m to a power supply. For MIMO operation,one SMPS 103 a - 103 n or one linear regulator 106 a - 106 p can supplytwo PAs 102 a - 102 m by closing two load switches at analog powersupply cross switch 203, as the expected RF power of each PA 102 a - 102m should be similar.

For the case of two (2) active PAs 102 a - 102 m, one (1) SMPS 103 a -103 n and one (1) linear regulator 106 a - 106 p may be used. For thecase of three (3) active PAs 102 a - 102 m, communication device 100 mayinclude either a single one of SMPS 103 a - 103 n with two linearregulators 106 a - 106 p to achieve a significant cost decrease andreduction in form factor size. Alternatively, two SMPSs 103 a - 103 nwith single linear regulator 106 a - 106 p may be used to provide anintermediate solution with better efficiency than one SMPS but having ahigher cost and form factor size. The present disclosure enables scalingto higher numbers of active PAs 102 a - 102 m by adding eitheradditional SMPSs 103 a -103 n and/or linear regulators 106 a - 106 p tomatch the number of active PAs 102 a - 102 m, where the number of SMPSs103 a - 103 n is always less than the number of active PAs 102 a - 102m.

Having a regulated supply at second PA (102 a - 102 m) from either oneSMPS 103 a - 103 n or one linear regulator 106 a - 106 p that isconsistent with a RF power level of second PA (102a - 102 m) is betterthan supplying second PA 102 a - 102 m with a variable supply from firstPA 102 a - 102 m that is higher than necessary because second PA 102 a -102 m will dissipate more power. The higher dissipated power causesperformance differences and degradation, such as causing varyingamplification gain, due to thermal heating of second PA 102 a - 102 m.Heat dissipation is spread across various locations instead of beinglocalized at second PA 102 a - 102 m. In addition, each PA 102 a - 102 mwill see the same supply voltage during a single transmit uplinkscenario as well as in a multiple transmit uplink scenario, resulting insimilar performance in both scenarios.

In particular, the present disclosure first provides an improvement fora multi-active PA system. If the required PA voltage is the same for twoor more active PAs 102 a - 102 m, a single one of SMPS 103 a - 103 n canbe used with resulting efficiency that is nearly the same as using twoor more SMPS 103 a - 103 n, one dedicated to each PA 102 a - 102 m.Second, if PAs 102 a - 102 m are not transmitting concurrently, thensingle SMPS 103 a - 103 n can be time multiplexed to support differentvoltage levels to achieve maximum efficiency and minimize the usage oflinear regulators 106 a - 106 p. Third, in situations where selected PAs102 a - 102 m are transmitting simultaneously, PA 102 a - 102 m with thehigher voltage is supported with selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n and PA 102a - 102 m with the lower voltage is supported with selected linearregulator 106 a - 106 p. Selected PA 102 a - 102 m having the programmedSMPS voltage set for a higher voltage is used to the supply for selectedlinear regulator 106 a - 106 p. In most situations, the degradation ofusing one (1) SMPS with one linear regulator is between 0 and 15%degradation in efficiency as compared to using two (2) SMPS. Fourth,during transitions where selected PA 102 a - 102 m must transition tosupport a higher or lower output power and consequently a higher orlower PA voltage is required, the transitions on each PA 102 a - 102 mmay not be simultaneous. If the voltage of the higher voltage PA (firstPA 102 a - 102 m) is increasing, selected linear regulator 106 a - 106 pcan maintain its connection to selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n. If thevoltage is decreasing, but still greater than that required for thelower voltage PA 102 a - 102 m, selected linear regulator 106 a - 106 pcan maintain its connection to selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n. If thevoltage required becomes the same, then selected linear regulator 106a - 106 p is bypassed and selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n supplies both PAs102 a - 102 m. If the PA voltage required for selected PA 102 a - 102 mconnected to selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n drops below the second PArequired voltage, selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n tracks the higher of thetwo voltages and selected linear regulator 106 a - 106 p now suppliesfirst PA 102 a - 102 m. This change can be achieved through the loadswitch at analog power supply cross switch 203 to swap the supply to thePAs 102 a - 102 m.

In one or more embodiments, an external controller can manage theselection of programmed voltages and assignment of SMPSs 103 a - 103 nand linear regulator 106 a - 106 p. that supply each PA 102 a - 102 m.The external control can also manage selection as well of the supply forlinear regulators 106 a - 106 p, either one of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n orbattery supply 104. Assignment of either one of SMPSs 103 a - 103 n orone of linear regulator 106 a - 106 p to selected PA 102 a - 102 mdepends on the battery voltage level and required PA voltages to supportthe RF level and expected currents (power) required for two or more PA102 a - 102 m. In an example, controller 101 utilizes efficiency curvesof SMPSs 103 a - 103 n. The setting of output voltages and assignment ofSMPSs 103 a -103 n and linear regulator 106 a - 106 p to selected PA 102a - 102 m is based on overall system efficiency. As an example, that isnot intuitive, if battery voltage was 3.4 V and the higher power PA 102a - 102 m requires 3.3 V and a second PA 102 a - 102 m requires 2.7V, itis more efficient from a total system perspective to run selected linearregulator 106 a - 106 p from battery voltage and to assign selected SMPS103 a - 103 n to the lower voltage and output power PA 102 a -102 m.

In one or more embodiments controller 101 can utilize system informationsuch as transmit duty cycles, modulation, etc. In an example, it may bethe case that a high power/low duty cycle transmission is concurrentwith a low power/high duty cycle transmission. Recognizing the effect ofthe duty cycle on overall efficiency, selected SMPS 103 a - 103 n isassigned to the lower transmit signal level for the low power/high dutycycle transmission assigned to one PA 102 a - 102 m that has a greaterimpact on total power efficiency. Selected linear regulator 106 a - 106p is assigned to the high power/low duty cycle transmission assigned toanother PA 102 a - 102 m that has a lesser impact on total powerefficiency.

In one or more embodiments, certain functions may be under distributedcontrol. In an example, linear regulator 106 a - 106 p may automaticallychoose the supply used to meet the desired output voltage throughsensing and monitoring the potential input supply voltages from eitherSMPS 103 a - 103 n or battery supply 104. Distributed control may notresult in an ideal solution based on total efficiency but may achieveother benefits such as operational speed. Even with the simplerautomatic controller, power efficiency increases may be possible byestablishing certain rules for supporting a simultaneous transmissionscenario. If one of the output voltages required to supply selected SMPS103 a - 103 n is very close to battery voltage (e.g., within 0.2 V),selected linear regulator 106 a - 106 p is supplied by battery supply104. The rule may further depend on the expected current and whether oneoutput is somewhat lower such as 0.7 V and or potentially higher currentas in the case in the scenario described above. S.

FIG. 3 presents a flow diagram of method 300 performed by acommunication device for efficiently managing power supplied to a numberof power amplifiers, where the communication device has a lesser numberof switched mode power supplies. The description of method 300 isprovided with general reference to the specific components illustratedwithin the preceding FIGS. 1 - 2 , and specific components referenced inmethod 300 may be identical or similar to components of the same nameused in describing preceding FIGS. 1 - 2 . In one or more embodiments,controller 101 configures communication device 100 (FIG. 1 ) to providefunctionality of method 300.

With reference to FIG. 3 , method 300 includes detecting an outputvoltage level of a battery supply of a communication device (block 302).The communication device includes a communication subsystem having afirst number (“N1”) of two or more power amplifiers (PAs) assignable torespective transmit uplinks. The communication subsystem includes asecond number (“N2”) of one or more switching mode power supplies(SMPSs) powered by the battery supply, where N2 is less than N1. Thecommunication subsystem includes a third number (“N3”) of one or morelinear regulators that are powered by one of (i) output voltage of thebattery supply and (ii) one of the one or more SMPSs. A sum of N2 and N3is equal to or greater than N1 to enable powering all of the two or morePAs. Method 300 includes determining an average power tracking (APT)supply voltage value for each of two or more PAs (block 304). Method 300includes assigning the one or more SMPSs and the one or more linearregulators to the one or more PAs to achieve a highest overall orcombined system power efficiency (block 306). In an example, a roundrobin assignment is performed for available SMPSs first, given that theSMPSs are more power efficient than the linear regulators. Then, a roundrobin assignment is performed for available linear regulators until eachPA scheduled to be active has a corresponding assigned source of power.Refinements to these assignments for particular scenarios are describedbelow with regard to methods 600 (FIG. 6 ), 900 (FIG. 9 ), 1000 (FIG. 10), and 1100 (FIG. 11 ). Method 300 includes configuring the one or moreassigned SMPSs to power one or more of the two or more PAs at therequired output voltage based on APT (block 308). Method 300 includesconfiguring the one or more assigned linear regulators to produce therequired output voltage (block 310). Method 300 includes configuring apower switching network of the communication device to connect theassigned one or more SMPSs and one or more linear regulators torespective ones of the two or more PAs (block 312). Method 300 includesamplifying multiple transmit uplinks respectively using the two or morePAs (block 314). Then method 300 returns to block 302.

In addition to addressing the challenges of simultaneous or at leastpartially concurrent transmissions, the present disclosure includesrecognizing opportunities for efficiently powering one PA to support twoor more nonconcurrent transmissions. FIG. 4 is a graphical plot oftiming diagram 401 of nonconcurrent transmissions of first transmituplink 403 between times t₁ and t₂ followed subsequently by secondtransmit uplink 405 between times t₃ and t₄. A time gap exists betweentimes t₂ and t₃ to enable reconfiguring of communication device 100 afor second transmit uplink 405 (see FIG. 5 ). FIG. 5 depictscommunication device 100 a as described in FIG. 2 , except thatcommunication device 100 a is specifically configured with two PAs 102a - 102 b that are supported by one SMPS 103 a and one linear regulator106 a. Since only one of PAs 102 a - 102 b is transmitting at a time andthere is time between the time gap, controller 101 sets external controlinterface/registers 211 direct switch driver/controller 213 to firstconfigure analog PS cross switch 203 to connect input I₁ to Output O₁,supplying output voltage from SMPS 103 a to supply PA 102 a at leastbetween t₁ and t₂. In one or more embodiments, PA 102 b is idle andanalog PS cross switch 203 is also configured to connect input I₂ toOutput O₂, supplying output voltage from linear regulator 106 a tosupply PA 102 b at least between t₁ and t₂ in order to provide lowcurrent bias voltage to PA 102 b to maintain its idle state. Switchdriver/controller 213 configures switch 215 to supply battery voltage tolinear regulator 106 a.

FIG. 6 presents a flow diagram of method 600 performed by acommunication device for efficiently managing power supplied to thepower amplifiers utilizing a lesser number of switched mode powersupplies during concurrent transmissions. The description of method 600is provided with general reference to the specific componentsillustrated within the preceding FIGS. 1 - 5 , and specific componentsreferenced in method 600 may be identical or similar to components ofthe same name used in describing preceding FIGS. 1- 5 . In one or moreembodiments, controller 101 configures communication device 100 (FIG. 1) or communication device 100 a (FIG. 5 ) to provide functionality ofmethod 600 to augment method 300 (FIG. 3 ). With reference to FIG. 6 ,method 600 includes receiving transmit scheduling information for afirst PA and a second PA (block 602). Method 600 includes determiningwhether the first PA and the second PA are scheduled to transmitconcurrently (decision block 604). In response to determining that thefirst and the second PA are scheduled to transmit concurrently, method600 ends. In response to determining that the first and the second PAare not scheduled to transmit concurrently, i.e., scheduled to transmitnon-concurrently, method 600 includes identifying a first time and asubsequent second time that the first PA and the second PA arerespectively scheduled to transmit (block 606). Method 600 includes,assigning and configuring a selected SMPS to power the first PA prior tothe first time that the first PA is scheduled to transmit (block 608).Method 600 includes configuring the power switching network to connectthe selected SMPS to the first PA (block 610). Method 600 includesmonitoring for and identifying a transition time between the first timeand the second time (block 612). In response to expiration of the firsttime and/or identifying the transition time, method 600 includesassigning and configuring the selected SMPS to power the second PA priorto the start of the second time that the second PA is scheduled totransmit (block 614). Method 600 includes configuring the powerswitching network to connect the selected SMPS to the second PA (block616). Then method 600 ends.

FIG. 7 depicts timing diagram 701 of first and second plots 703 a - 703b of transmit uplink power levels for first PA 102 a and second PA 102 b(as shown in FIGS. 8A - 8B) as a function of time, which is labeled astime “0” (t₀) through time “42” (t₄₂). First plot 703 a depicts powerlevels for first PA 102 a (FIGS. 8A - 8B) and second plot 703 b depictspower level for second PA 102 b (FIGS. 8A - 8B). First transient periods(TP1) occur on a periodic basis for first PA 102 a, which may be used toadjust the power level. Similarly, second transient period (TP2) occurson a periodic basis for second PA 102 b, which may be used to adjust therespective power level. TP1s and TP2s do not overlap, allowing poweradjustments to be made individually for each PA 102 a - 102 b. Inparticular, TP1s occur between: (i) t₁ - t₂; (ii) t₁₀ - t₁₁; (iii) t₁₉ -t₂₀; and (iv) t₂₈ - t₂₉. TP2s occur between: (i) t₄ - t₅; (ii) t₁₃ -t₁₄; (iii) t₂₂ - t₂₃; (iv) t₃₁ - t₃₂ and (iv) t₃₇ - t₃₈. First plot 703a for first PA 102 a (FIGS. 8A - 8B) becomes active at time “1” (t₁)transitioning to medium power level by time “2” (t₂). First plot 703 anext transitions at time “19” (t₁₉) from medium power level to low powerlevel by time “20” (t₂₀). First plot 703 a next transitions at time “37”(t₃₇) from low power level to high power level by time “38” (t₃₈).Second plot 703 b for second PA 102 b (FIGS. 8A - 8B) becomes active attime “4” (t₄) transitioning to low power level by time “5” (t₅). Secondplot 703 b next transitions at time “13” (t₁₃) from low power level tomedium power level by time “14” (t₁₄). Second plot 703 b nexttransitions at time “22” (t₂₂) from medium power level to high powerlevel by time “23” (t₂₃). Second plot 703 b next transitions at time“31” (t₃₁) from high power level to medium power level by time “32”(t₃₂).

The power level transitions present four cases for configuring one SMPSand one linear regulator described below for FIGS. 8A - 8B. First case(1a) 705 a arises between about times “4” and “12” (t₄ - t₁₂) with firstplot 703 a at the medium power level for first PA 102 a (FIG. 8A) andsecond plot 703 b at the low power level for second PA 102 b (FIG. 8A).Second case (1b) 705 b arises between about times “13” and “19” (t₁₃ -t₁₉) with first plot 703 a ending at the medium power level for first PA102 a (FIG. 8A) and second plot 703 b also ending at the medium powerlevel for second PA 102 b (FIG. 8A). Third case (1c) 705 c arisesbetween about times “19” and at least “32” (t₁₉ - t₃₂) with first plot703 a ending at the high power level for second PA 102 b (FIG. 8A) andsecond plot 703 b ending at the low power level for first PA 102 a (FIG.8A). To setup another fourth case (1d) 705 d, second plot 703 atransitions from between times “31” and “32” (t₃₁ - t₃₂) from high powerending at medium power. Fourth case 705 d arises between about times“36” and at least “42” (t₁₉ - t₃₂) with first plot 703 a ending at thehigh power level for second PA 102 b (FIG. 8B) and second plot 703 bending at the low power level for first PA 102 a (FIG. 8B).

FIG. 8A depicts communication device 100 a configured to support thefirst and second transmit uplink power levels of FIG. 7 during the firstthree cases. During first case 705 a (FIG. 7 ), switch 215 is configuredto provide voltage from SMPS 103 a to linear regulator 106 a. Analog PScross switch 203 is configured to connect input I₁ to output O₁,supplying output voltage from SMPS 103 a to supply PA 102 a at leastbetween times t₁ and t₂ (FIG. 7 ). Analog PS cross switch 203 is furtherconfigured to connect input I_(m) to output O₂, supplying output voltagefrom linear regulator 106 a to supply PA 102 b at least between t₁ andt₂ (FIG. 7 ).

During second case 705 b (FIG. 7 ), analog PS cross switch 203 isconfigured to connect input I₁ that supplies output voltage from SMPS103 a to both output O₁ to supply PA 102 a during transient period forPA 102 b and to output O₂ to supply PA 102 b at least between times t₃and t₄ (FIG. 7 ). Switch 215 is configured to not supply voltage tolinear regulator 106 a.

During third case 705 c (FIG. 7 ), switch 215 is configured to providevoltage from SMPS 103 a to linear regulator 106 a, which is furtherconfigured to support the lower voltage level required to support thedecremented power for PA 102 a. Analog PS cross switch 203 is configuredto connect input I_(m) to output O₁ during the transient period for thePA 102 a. Analog PS cross switch 203 maintains its previous connectionfrom input I₁ to output O₂, supplying output voltage from SMPS 103 a tosupply PA 102 b.

FIG. 8B depicts communication device 100 a configured to support thefirst and second transmit uplink power levels of FIG. 7 during thefourth case that includes several switching stages. During fourth case705 d (FIG. 7 ), PA 102 a is required to significantly increase powerlevel at time “37” (t₃₇), going above the power level for PA 102 b. PA102 b is between transition periods, so SMPS 103 a continues to supportPA 102 b. In an initial stage of case 1d 705 d, analog PS cross switch203 is configured to connect input I₁ to outputs O₁ of transient periodfor PA 102 a. Analog PS cross switch 203 maintains its previousconnection from input I₁ to output O₂, supplying output voltage fromSMPS 103 a to supply PA 102 b. Switch 215 is configured to providevoltage from battery supply 104 to linear regulator 106 a, which isfurther configured to support the medium voltage level required tosupport the PA 102 b. During intermediate stage of case 1d 705 d, analogPS cross switch 203 is configured to connect input I_(m) to output O₂ tosupport PA 102 b. SMPS 103 a is programmed to the higher power level tosupport PA 102 a. During transition period for PA 102 b between times“40” and “41” (t₄₀ - t₄₁), switch 215 may be configured to connect SMPS103 a to linear regulator 106 a instead of battery supply 104 forimproved power efficiency.

In some scenarios, switch 215 can be configured to battery supply 104for a time between two transient periods instead of directly connectingto SMPS 103 a to avoid loading one of SMPSs 103 a - 103 b that suppliesPA102 a - 102 b that is active and not in a transient period. Thatloading may cause a power supply transient and could affect the RFoutput signal. In such a case, switch 215 can be reconfigured to SMPS103 a - 103 b during the next transient period to a more efficientconfiguration. There are other cases where the use of an intermediatestate may be required to manage the allocation of SMPSs 103 a - 103 band linear regulators 106 a to maintain the voltage during non-transientperiods. SMPS is reconfigured to a higher voltage level during transientperiod of PA 102 a to support the higher power for PA 102 a at the endof the transient period.

FIG. 9 presents method 900 performed by a communication device forefficiently managing power transitions above battery voltage between twoPAs using one SMPS and one linear regulator. FIG. 10 presents method1000 performed by a communication device for efficiently managing powerof two or more PAs when at least one average power tracking value isbelow output voltage of the battery supply. FIG. 11 presents method 1100that reverses the nominal assignment of an SMPS from a higher averagepower tracking value to a lower average power tracking value in responseto respective duty cycles reversing impacts on total power efficiency.The description of methods 900 (FIG. 9 ), 1000 (FIG. 10 ), and 1100(FIG. 11 ) are provided with general reference to the specificcomponents illustrated within the preceding FIGS. 1 - 8 , and specificcomponents referenced in methods 900 (FIG. 9 ), 1000 (FIG. 10 ), and1100 (FIG. 11 ) may be identical or similar to components of the samename used in describing preceding FIGS. 1 - 8 . In one or moreembodiments, controller 101 configures communication device 100 (FIG. 1) or communication device 100 a (FIGS. 8A - 8B) to provide functionalityof methods 900 (FIG. 9 ), 1000 (FIG. 10 ), and 1100 (FIG. 11 ) toaugment method 300 (FIG. 3 ) and method 600 (FIG. 6 ).

With reference to FIG. 9 , method 900 includes detecting an outputvoltage level of a battery supply of a communication device (block 902).Method 900 includes receiving transmit scheduling information for afirst PA and a second PA (block 904). Any of the available PAs can bereferred to as the first PA and any of the remaining PAs can be referredto as the second PA. For clarity, method 900 refers to two PAs butaspects of the present disclosure may be extended to additional PAs.Method 900 includes determining whether the first PA and the second PAare scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atsubstantially different average power tracking values that are bothgreater than the output voltage level of the battery supply (decisionblock 906). In response to determining that the first and the second PAare scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atsubstantially different average power tracking values that are bothgreater than the output voltage level of the battery supply, method 900includes assigning and configuring the selected SMPS to power the PAhaving the higher average power tracking value (block 908). Method 900includes assigning and configuring a selected linear regulator to powerthe PA having the lower average power tracking value (block 910). Method900 includes configuring the power switching network to switch theselected SMPS and the selected linear regulator to the respectiveassigned PAs (block 912). Then method 900 ends.

In response to determining, in decision block 906, that the first andthe second PA are not scheduled to transmit at least partiallyconcurrently at substantially different average power tracking valuesthat are both greater than the output voltage level of the batterysupply, method 900 includes determining whether the first PA and thesecond PA are scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atsubstantially equivalent average power tracking values that are bothgreater than the output voltage level of the battery supply (decisionblock 914). In response to determining that the first and the second PAare not scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atsubstantially equivalent average power tracking values that are bothgreater than the output voltage level of the battery supply, method 900ends. In response to determining that the first and the second PA arescheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently at substantiallyequivalent average power tracking values that are both greater than theoutput voltage level of the battery supply, method 900 includesassigning and configuring a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs topower both of the first PA and the second PA (block 916). Method 900includes configuring the power switching network to connect the selectedSMPS to the first PA and the second PA (block 918). Then method 900ends.

With reference to FIG. 10 , method 1000 include detecting an outputvoltage level of a battery supply of a communication device (block1002). Method 1000 includes receiving transmit scheduling informationfor a first PA and a second PA (block 1004). Method 1000 includesdetermining whether the first PA and the second PA are scheduled totransmit at least partially concurrently with substantially differentaverage power tracking values that are both lower than the outputvoltage level of the battery supply (decision block 1006). Any of theavailable PAs can be referred to as the first PA and any of theremaining PAs can be referred to as the second PA. For clarity, method1000 refers to two PAs but aspects of the present disclosure may beextended to additional PAs. In response to determining that the firstand the second PA are scheduled to transmit at least partiallyconcurrently with substantially different average power tracking valuesthat are both lower than the output voltage level of the battery supply,method 1000 includes assigning and configuring a selected SMPS of theone or more SMPSs to power the first PA that has a lower average powertracking value than the second PA (block 1008). Method 1000 includesassigning and configuring a selected linear regulator of the one or morelinear regulators to power the second PA (block 1010). Method 1000includes configuring the power switching network to: (i) power theselected linear regulator from the output voltage level of the batterysupply; and (ii) connect the selected SMPS and the selected linearregulator respectively to the first PA and the second PA (block 1012).Then method 1000 returns to block 1002.

In response to determining that the first and the second PA are notscheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently with substantiallydifferent average power tracking values that are both lower than theoutput voltage level of the battery supply in decision block 1006,method 1000 includes determining whether the first PA and the second PAare scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently with the firstPA at a higher average power tracking values that is greater than theoutput voltage level of the battery supply and the second PA at a loweraverage power tracking value that is less than the battery voltage(decision block 1014). Again, any of the PAs can be designated as thefirst PA and any remaining PAs can be designated as the second PA. Inresponse to determining that the first and the second PA are notscheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently at respectiveaverage power tracking values that are above and below the outputvoltage level of the battery supply, method 1000 ends. In response todetermining that the first and the second PA are scheduled to transmitat least partially concurrently at respective average power trackingvalues that are above and below the output voltage level of the batterysupply, method 1000 includes assigning and configuring a selected SMPSof the one or more SMPSs to power the first PA that has a higher averagepower tracking value than the second PA (block 1016). Method 1000includes assigning and configuring a selected linear regulator of theone or more linear regulators to power the second PA (block 1018).Method 1000 includes configuring the power switching network to: (i)power the selected linear regulator from the output voltage of thebattery supply; and (ii) connect the selected SMPS and the selectedlinear regulator respectively to the first PA and the second PA (block1020). Then method 1000 ends.

With reference to FIG. 11 , method 1100 include detecting an outputvoltage level of a battery supply of a communication device (block1102). Method 1100 includes receiving transmit scheduling informationfor a first PA and a second PA (block 1104). Method 1100 includesdetermining whether the first PA and the second PA are scheduled totransmit at least partially concurrently with: (i) the first PA at afirst duty cycle that is less than a first duty cycle threshold and at afirst power level; and (ii) the second PA at a second duty cycle that isgreater than both the first and a second duty cycle threshold at asecond power level that is lower than the first power level (decisionblock 1106). Any of the available PAs can be referred to as the first PAand any of the remaining PAs can be referred to as the second PA. Forclarity, method 1100 refers to two PAs but aspects of the presentdisclosure may be extended to additional PAs. In response to determiningthat the first and the second PA are not scheduled to transmit at leastpartially concurrently with: (i) the first PA at a first duty cycle thatis less than a first duty cycle threshold and at a first power level;and (ii) the second PA at a second duty cycle that is greater than boththe first and a second duty cycle threshold at a second power level thatis lower than the first power level, method 1100 ends. In response todetermining that the first and the second PA are scheduled to transmitat least partially concurrently with: (i) the first PA at a first dutycycle that is less than a first duty cycle threshold and at a firstpower level; and (ii) the second PA at a second duty cycle that isgreater than both the first and a second duty cycle threshold at asecond power level that is lower than the first power level, method 1100includes assigning and configuring a selected SMPS of the one or moreSMPSs to power the second PA (block 1108). Method 1100 includesassigning and configuring a selected linear regulator of the one or morelinear regulators to power the first PA (block 1110). Method 1100includes configuring the power switching network to connect the selectedlinear regulator and the selected SMPS respectively to the first PA andthe second PA (block 1112). Then method 1100 ends.

Aspects of the present innovation are described above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of theinnovation. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, embodiments of thepresent innovation may be embodied as a system, device, and/or method.Accordingly, embodiments of the present innovation may take the form ofan entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software andhardware embodiments that may all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,” “module” or “system.”

While the innovation has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the innovation. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,device, or component thereof to the teachings of the innovation withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the innovation not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this innovation, but that the innovation willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote anyorder or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are usedto distinguish one element from another.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the innovation.As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended toinclude any structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the present innovation has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the innovation in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the innovation. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the innovation and the practical application, and toenable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the innovationfor various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication device comprising: a batterysupply; a battery voltage sensor that detects an output voltage level ofthe battery supply; a communication subsystem having a first number(“N1”) of two or more power amplifiers (PAs) assignable to respectivetransmit uplinks; a second number (“N2”) of one or more switching modepower supplies (SMPSs) powered by the battery supply, N2 being less thanN1; a third number (“N3”) of one or more linear regulators that arepowered by one of (i) output voltage of the battery supply and (ii) oneof the one or more SMPSs, wherein a sum of N2 and N3 is equal to orgreater than N1 to enable powering all of the two or more PAs; a powerswitching network; and a controller communicatively coupled to thebattery voltage sensor, the communication subsystem, and the one or moreSMPSs, and which: determines an average power tracking (APT) supplyvoltage value for each of the two or more PAs; and assigns the one ormore SMPSs and the one or more linear regulators to the one or more PAsto achieve a highest overall or combined system power efficiency.
 2. Thecommunication device of claim 1, wherein: a power switching networkconfigurable to couple to one of the battery supply, one of the one ormore SMPSs, and one or more linear regulators to power each of the PAs,and further configurable to couple one of the output voltage of thebattery supply and one of the SMPSs to power each of the one or morelinear regulators; and the controller: assigns and configures the one ormore SMPSs to power one or more of the two or more PAs; assigns one ormore linear regulators that are less power efficient than the one ormore SMPSs to power a corresponding number of the two or more PAs notassigned to the one or more SMPSs; and configures the power switchingnetwork to connect the assigned one or more SMPSs and one or more linearregulators to respective ones of the two or more PAs.
 3. Thecommunication device of claim 2, wherein the controller: determines thata first and a second PA are scheduled to transmit non-concurrently;identifies a first time and a subsequent second time that the first PAand the second PA are respectively scheduled to transmit; prior to thefirst time that the first PA is scheduled to transmit: assigns andconfigures a selected SMPS to power the first PA; and configures thepower switching network to connect the selected SMPS to the first PA;and prior to the second time that the second PA is scheduled totransmit: assigns and configures the selected SMPS to power the secondPA; and configures the power switching network to connect the selectedSMPS to the second PA.
 4. The communication device of claim 2, wherein:the power switching network is further configurable to couple an outputof the battery supply and one of the one or more SMPSs to power each ofthe one or more linear regulators; and the controller, in response todetermining that a first PA and a second PA are scheduled to transmit atleast partially concurrently at different average power tracking valuesthat are both greater than the output voltage level of the batterysupply: assigns and configures a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSsto power the first PA that has a higher average power tracking value;assigns and configures a selected linear regulator of the one or morelinear regulators to power the second PA that has a lower average powertracking value; and configures the power switching network to: (i) powerthe selected linear regulator from the selected SMPS; and (ii) connectthe selected SMPS and the selected linear regulator respectively to thefirst PA and the second PA.
 5. The communication device of claim 4,wherein the controller: in response to determining that the first PA istransitioning to have a lower average power tracking value than thesecond PA: assigns and configures the selected SMPS to power the secondPA; assigns and configures the selected linear regulator to power thefirst PA; and configures the power switching network to switch theselected SMPS and the selected linear regulator respectively to thesecond PA and the first PA.
 6. The communication device of claim 2,wherein: the controller, in response to determining that a first PA anda second PA are scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atsubstantially equivalent average power tracking values: assigns andconfigures a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs to power both of thefirst PA and the second PA; and configures the power switching networkto connect the selected SMPS to the first PA and the second PA.
 7. Thecommunication device of claim 2, wherein: the power switching network isfurther configurable to couple an output of the battery supply and oneof the one or more SMPSs to power each of one or more linear regulators;and the controller, in response to determining that a first PA and asecond PA are scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atdifferent average power tracking values that are both lower than theoutput voltage level of the battery supply: assigns and configures aselected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs to power the first PA that has alower average power tracking value than the second PA; assigns andconfigures a selected linear regulator of the one or more linearregulators to power the second PA; and configures the power switchingnetwork to: (i) power the selected linear regulator from the outputvoltage level of the battery supply; and (ii) connect the selected SMPSand the selected linear regulator respectively to the first PA and thesecond PA.
 8. The communication device of claim 2, wherein: the powerswitching network is further configurable to couple an output of thebattery supply and one of the one or more SMPSs to power each of one ormore linear regulators; and the controller, in response to determiningthat a first PA and a second PA are scheduled to transmit at leastpartially concurrently at different average power tracking values thatare respectively greater than and lower than the output voltage level ofthe battery supply: assigns and configures a selected SMPS of the one ormore SMPSs to power the first PA that has a higher average powertracking value than the second PA; assigns and configures a selectedlinear regulator of the one or more linear regulators to power thesecond PA; and configures the power switching network to: (i) power theselected linear regulator from the output voltage of the battery supply;and (ii) connect the selected SMPS and the selected linear regulatorrespectively to the first PA and the second PA.
 9. The communicationdevice of claim 2, wherein: the controller, in response to determiningthat a first PA and a second PA are scheduled to transmit at leastpartially concurrently with: (i) the first PA at a first duty cycle thatis less than a first duty cycle threshold and at a first power level;and (ii) the second PA at a second duty cycle that is greater than boththe first and a second duty cycle threshold at a second power level thatis lower than the first power level: assigns and configures a selectedSMPS of the one or more SMPSs to power the second PA; assigns andconfigures a selected linear regulator of the one or more linearregulators to power the first PA which would result in a highest averagesystem efficiency using APT of the two or more PAs; and configures thepower switching network to connect the selected linear regulator and theselected SMPS respectively to the first PA and the second PA.
 10. Amethod comprising: detecting an output voltage level of a battery supplyof a communication device that includes a communication subsystem havinga first number (“N1”) of two or more power amplifiers (PAs) assignableto respective transmit uplinks, a second number (“N2”) of one or moreswitching mode power supplies (SMPSs) powered by the battery supply, N2being less than N1, and a third number (“N3”) of one or more linearregulators that are powered by one of (i) output voltage of the batterysupply and (ii) one of the one or more SMPSs, wherein a sum of N2 and N3is equal to or greater than N1 to enable powering all of the two or morePAs; determining an average power tracking (APT) supply voltage valuefor each of two or more PAs; and assigning the one or more SMPSs and theone or more linear regulators to the one or more PAs to achieve highestoverall or combined system power efficiency.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein: assigning and configuring the one or more SMPSs to power one ormore of the two or more PAs; assigning one or more linear regulatorsthat are less power efficient than the one or more SMPSs to power acorresponding number of the two or more PAs not assigned to the one ormore SMPSs; and configuring a power switching network of thecommunication device to connect the assigned one or more SMPSs and oneor more linear regulators to respective ones of the two or more PAs. 12.The method of claim 11, further comprising: determining that a first anda second PA are scheduled to transmit non-concurrently; identifying afirst time and a subsequent second time that the first PA and the secondPA are respectively scheduled to transmit; and prior to the first timethat the first PA is scheduled to transmit: assigning and configuring aselected SMPS to power the first PA; and configuring the power switchingnetwork to connect the selected SMPS to the first PA; and prior to thesecond time that the second PA is scheduled to transmit: assigning andconfiguring the selected SMPS to power the second PA; and configuringthe power switching network to connect the selected SMPS to the secondPA.
 13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: in response todetermining that a first PA and a second PA are scheduled to transmit atleast partially concurrently at different average power tracking valuesthat are both greater than the output voltage level of the batterysupply: assigning and configuring a selected SMPS of the one or moreSMPSs to power the first PA that has a higher average power trackingvalue; assigning and configuring a selected linear regulator of the oneor more linear regulators to power the second PA that has a loweraverage power tracking value; and configuring the power switchingnetwork to: (i) power the selected linear regulator from the selectedSMPS; and (ii) connect the selected SMPS and the selected linearregulator respectively to the first PA and the second PA.
 14. The methodof claim 13, further comprising: in response to determining that thefirst PA is transitioning to have a lower average power tracking valuethan the second PA: assigning and configuring the selected SMPS to powerthe second PA; assigning and configuring the selected linear regulatorto power the first PA; and configuring the power switching network toswitch the selected SMPS and the selected linear regulator respectivelyto the second PA and the first PA.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: in response to determining that a first PA and a second PAare scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently atsubstantially equivalent average power tracking values: assigning andconfiguring a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs to power both ofthe first PA and the second PA; and configuring the power switchingnetwork to connect the selected SMPS to the first PA and the second PA.16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: in response todetermining that a first PA and a second PA are scheduled to transmit atleast partially concurrently at different average power tracking valuesthat are both lower than the output voltage level of the battery supply:assigning and configuring a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs topower the first PA that has a lower average power tracking value thanthe second PA; assigning and configuring a selected linear regulator ofthe one or more linear regulators to power the second PA; andconfiguring the power switching network to: (i) power the selectedlinear regulator from the output voltage level of the battery supply;and (ii) connect the selected SMPS and the selected linear regulatorrespectively to the first PA and the second PA.
 17. The method of claim11, wherein: in response to determining that a first PA and a second PAare scheduled to transmit at least partially concurrently at differentaverage power tracking values that are respectively greater than andlower than the output voltage level of the battery supply: assigning andconfiguring a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs to power the firstPA that has a higher average power tracking value than the second PA;assigning and configuring a selected linear regulator of the one or morelinear regulators to power the second PA; and configuring the powerswitching network to: (i) power the selected linear regulator from theoutput voltage of the battery supply; and (ii) connect the selected SMPSand the selected linear regulator respectively to the first PA and thesecond PA.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein: in response todetermining that a first PA and a second PA are scheduled to transmit atleast partially concurrently with: (i) the first PA at a first dutycycle that is less than a first duty cycle threshold and at a firstpower level; and (ii) the second PA at a second duty cycle that isgreater than both the first and a second duty cycle threshold at asecond power level that is lower than the first power level: assigningand configuring a selected SMPS of the one or more SMPSs to power thesecond PA; assigning and configuring a selected linear regulator of theone or more linear regulators to power the first PA; and configuring thepower switching network to connect the selected linear regulator and theselected SMPS respectively to the first PA and the second PA.
 19. Acomputer program product comprising: a computer readable storage device;and program code on the computer readable storage device that whenexecuted by a processor associated with a communication device, theprogram code enables the communication device to provide functionalityof: detecting an output voltage level of a battery supply of acommunication device that includes a communication subsystem having afirst number (“N1”) of two or more power amplifiers (PAs) assignable torespective transmit uplinks, a second number (“N2”) of one or moreswitching mode power supplies (SMPSs) powered by the battery supply, N2being less than N1, and a third number (“N3”) of one or more linearregulators that are powered by one of (i) output voltage of the batterysupply and (ii) one of the one or more SMPSs, wherein a sum of N2 and N3is equal to or greater than N1 to enable powering all of the two or morePAs; determining an average power tracking (APT) supply voltage valuefor each of two or more PAs; and assigning the one or more SMPSs and theone or more linear regulators to the one or more PAS to achieve ahighest overall or combined system power efficiency.
 20. The computerprogram product of claim 19, wherein the program code enables thecommunication device to provide the functionality of: assigning andconfiguring the one or more SMPSs to power one or more of the two ormore PAs having higher power requirements that benefit most from APT;assigning one or more linear regulators that are less power efficientthan the one or more SMPSs to power a corresponding number of the two ormore PAs not assigned to the one or more SMPSs; and configuring a powerswitching network of the communication device to connect the assignedone or more SMPSs and one or more linear regulators to respective onesof the two or more PAs.